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Old 29 Oct 2007, 05:14 (Ref:2053773)   #26
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Chatters should be qualifying in the top 5 on the gridChatters should be qualifying in the top 5 on the grid
I want a Bavarian!

Well, my dad and I have been looking over the weekend, and we've found a few cars that we might perhaps buy, but this has caught my attention:



It's a 1985 BMW 318i. It's $2500, its got low kilometres (though I am a bit wary about whether it's been driven around the clock). The front seats are torn/worn a bit, but I'm sure I can work around it.

I was hoping you guys could help me out. I need to know how much spare parts for something like this would cost (preferably from somewhere in South Australia), and if there are any problems that this car is known for.

Thanks for your help.
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Old 30 Oct 2007, 06:16 (Ref:2054587)   #27
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Parts will be considerably dearer than for any Japanese car in the same price range.
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Old 30 Oct 2007, 09:00 (Ref:2054648)   #28
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Buy a car your going to spend as little money on as possible fixing up or adding things to
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Old 4 Nov 2007, 08:56 (Ref:2059147)   #29
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Originally Posted by Chatters
Well, my dad and I have been looking over the weekend, and we've found a few cars that we might perhaps buy, but this has caught my attention:



It's a 1985 BMW 318i. It's $2500, its got low kilometres (though I am a bit wary about whether it's been driven around the clock). The front seats are torn/worn a bit, but I'm sure I can work around it.

I was hoping you guys could help me out. I need to know how much spare parts for something like this would cost (preferably from somewhere in South Australia), and if there are any problems that this car is known for.

Thanks for your help.
I presume this is an E30 318i? Only telling from the wheels... they never sold the 316i here...

I also take it that the car is an '85 pre-ULP model? Not sure they can take raw ULP without a knock agent in the tank.... so a post '86 model may be better in this regard

The '85 318i came with rear drum brakes... the later model post-ULP had 4 wheel disc brakes... the difference is in the maintenance... and pedal feel...

The later model also means getting rid of the wind up windows...

Is this an auto or manual? Auto replacement is literally a killer... more than the cost of the car advertised!!

How are the airflow meter and throttle body sensors? These are known problems on this model.. and around a $1000 fix...

I always liked the shape of the E30 2 door coupe...

In terms of the boring stuff like brake pads, oil filters etc etc... there are some non genuine bits available.. and specialist parts people (wreckers) who can get 2nd hand bits... not cheaply, but way off BMW parts pricing!

What exactly are "low kilometres"? Havent seen too many of that age sub 250k km
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Old 4 Nov 2007, 23:23 (Ref:2059682)   #30
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if the seats are showing signs of wear, then it should be high mileage. the seat and trim wear is the best guide as to whether its been around the clock or just plain clocked.

edit: forgot to say, a 316i was actually my first car, and it was bulletproof. it was about a 1990ish model, and it's still going. just!

Last edited by bella; 4 Nov 2007 at 23:25.
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Old 5 Nov 2007, 01:46 (Ref:2059744)   #31
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Hey chatters have a look at this:

e30 318 buyers guide:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=826530

I always loved the e30 bmws and I'll probably buy one for a snow or airport car some day.
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Old 5 Nov 2007, 07:43 (Ref:2059843)   #32
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The odometer read about 120,000... Which leads me to believe that it has been driven around the clock (judging by the interior). I think we might have to give it a miss, but we'll see.

By the way, GTR, it's a manual. No automatics for me, thank you very much.
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Old 5 Nov 2007, 09:12 (Ref:2059904)   #33
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Found you the perfect car Josh.

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Old 6 Nov 2007, 08:37 (Ref:2060891)   #34
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Originally Posted by Chatters
The odometer read about 120,000... Which leads me to believe that it has been driven around the clock (judging by the interior). I think we might have to give it a miss, but we'll see.

By the way, GTR, it's a manual. No automatics for me, thank you very much.
120k km doesnt seem right... 5k km per year is grandma territory...

In that guise, it should be immaculate, with a FSH.... which I am betting it isnt..

There are some really great pics of the E30 318 from the launch back in 1983 in that years's Australian Motoring Yearbook... the one in the book is a really lovely burgundy shade.... always wanted one... too hard to find one with low kilometres...
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Old 7 Nov 2007, 00:15 (Ref:2061693)   #35
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How about Here... fit an FJ20/4AGE/13B... and you are away
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Old 8 Nov 2007, 05:52 (Ref:2062676)   #36
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It will not be literally clocked, that mod has a 999,999 speedo, but the dash could have been replaced or the odo broken. Also check pedal rubbers for wear.
Also remember that a dealer will not touch a car that has obviously done 500k and reads 120, because even though you do not get a warranty on this age they are still liable for fraud under the TPA. If it is in SA you will find the interior will have had a hard time due to the climate, so check the wear marks


GTR, an LS1 fits as well
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Old 14 Nov 2007, 07:33 (Ref:2067101)   #37
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Well, I'm one step closer to convincing my parents I need a car- I passed my driving test today!
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Old 15 Nov 2007, 03:24 (Ref:2067731)   #38
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Chatters, why do you need to convince them? If you're over 18 you don't need their consent, just go and buy a car.

Oh and congrats on passing your test.
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Old 15 Nov 2007, 06:51 (Ref:2067776)   #39
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Problem is... I'm 17. Not 46, or 18...
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Old 16 Nov 2007, 08:19 (Ref:2068628)   #40
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Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner... A 1990 Holden Apollo.

Pics coming soon!
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Old 16 Nov 2007, 08:48 (Ref:2068648)   #41
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That's a Holden Camry isnt it?

The SL/E model is quite plush in that range.... a long way from a BMW in dynamics however
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Old 16 Nov 2007, 09:30 (Ref:2068699)   #42
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We had them as company cars, many, many moons ago. Really quite a good car. Very relaible, comfortable, good power.
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Old 16 Nov 2007, 10:18 (Ref:2068734)   #43
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Quote:
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That's a Holden Camry isnt it?

The SL/E model is quite plush in that range.... a long way from a BMW in dynamics however
Bullseye with the Camry GTR... Thank John Button for that.

I don't know about the SL/E model, mine's an SLX model.

Quote:
Originally Posted by DAVID PATERSON
We had them as company cars, many, many moons ago. Really quite a good car. Very relaible, comfortable, good power.
After driving it from Port Adelaide to my house in Nairne today, I totally agree with you. The clutch took a bit of getting used to (I chucked a few 'accidental' burnouts), but it diud remarkably well. The only small concern was that it got a bit hot stuck in traffic and up the hill on the freeway... Me and my dad are going to check the cooling system on the weekend.

Here it is, in all it's glory!

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Old 16 Nov 2007, 23:39 (Ref:2069246)   #44
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Check ALL of the hoses, if one is dud, the rest will be soon to follow, they're probably all the same age.

Check the thermostat, make sure it is fitted correctly.

Flush out the cooling system thoroughly.

Check the condition and tension of all belts.

Check that the thermo fan is operating correctly. It should come on and stay on whenever the engine is wrm.
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Old 17 Nov 2007, 10:23 (Ref:2069442)   #45
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3sge motor

Getting hot, Wasn't it like 34 in Adelaide today.
Do what David said, also run some descaler though it, because there will be gunk settled in the bottom of the rad.
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Old 20 Nov 2007, 23:19 (Ref:2072085)   #46
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Why would a 46 year old man buy a $2,000.00 old bomb to drive around?
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Old 22 Nov 2007, 01:07 (Ref:2073075)   #47
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I don't know- But if I see a 46 year old driving a Holden Apollo I'll ask him.

As for me, I'm 17- Note the P plate in the window!

And I actually bought it for $2500...
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Old 19 Dec 2007, 15:55 (Ref:2091995)   #48
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I don't know what a good first car is. I do know what's not: A old Renault Clio
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Old 19 Dec 2007, 18:35 (Ref:2092137)   #49
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I'm getting my first car in a few weeks(the 2nd of Januari): a Toyota Aygo.
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Old 20 Dec 2007, 00:15 (Ref:2092377)   #50
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chatters
After driving it from Port Adelaide to my house in Nairne today, I totally agree with you. The clutch took a bit of getting used to (I chucked a few 'accidental' burnouts), but it diud remarkably well. The only small concern was that it got a bit hot stuck in traffic and up the hill on the freeway... Me and my dad are going to check the cooling system on the weekend.
How hot was it getting? You have to expect that the car is going to run hotter in summer. The other day when we got to 36 my car was running hotter than it usually does (so much so the needle actually started working)
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